On October 9, 2023, Lee Wei Ling, the daughter of Singapore’s founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, passed away at the age of 69. A professional neurologist, Wei Ling had spent years battling brain-related health issues and was involved in a notable dispute with her brother, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, regarding their father’s former residence.

In a heartfelt announcement on Facebook, Lee Hsien Yang, Wei Ling’s brother, confirmed her passing at home. Back in 2020, Wei Ling had opened up about her health struggles, revealing her diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy, a neurodegenerative disorder that shares symptoms with Parkinson’s disease.

Reports indicated that Wei Ling described her condition as a debilitating neurological disorder, affecting her movement, eye control, and balance, which often resulted in falls. She also faced challenges with swallowing and reported feelings of choking. In March of this year, Lee Hsien Yang disclosed the seriousness of Wei Ling’s condition.

Wei Ling’s health issues were underscored by a troubling incident she recounted on Facebook, where she got lost during a stroll through Fort Canning Park. This incident led to a fractured bone, requiring a police rescue and hospital care. The context of her professional background as a neurologist made her personal battles all the more poignant.

Since the death of Lee Kuan Yew, the family home has been a contentious issue within Singapore’s first family. In 2017, both Lee Hsien Yang and Lee Wei Ling accused Lee Hsien Loong of neglecting their father’s wishes by seeking to retain the family home for political leverage. Lee Hsien Loong responded through legal channels, refuting their claims and raising questions regarding the last will and testament of their father.